AB0380 PREVALENCE OF SLEEP-RELATED BREATHING DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS, AND PERIPHERAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS
Authors: L. Winter, D. Skowasch, M. Weber, D. Kütting, C. Behning, P. Brossart, V. Schäfer
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Quality of life in patients suffering from rheumatological diseases is negatively affected by sleep disturbances, a frequently observed phenomenon. In rheumatoid arthritis, the prevalence of sleep disturbances ranges from about 50% to 70% [1]. The non-restorative sleep patterns result in excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced physical and mental performance, depression, and concentration disorders, as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity and risk of accidents [2]. <h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate the prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD), including obstructive and central sleep apnea (oSA, cSA), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and peripheral spondyloarthritis and to examine the relation between deterioration in sleep quality and selected clinical parameters. <h3>Methods</h3> This cross-sectional assessment consisted of a diagnostic workup, encompassing a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, the assessment of arthritis disease activity using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28CRP), and the evaluation of daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Cardiorespiratory polygraphy (RPG) was performed to detect SRBD. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 54 patients (26 RA, 24 PsA, 4 pSpA) and 28 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. The prevalence of sleep apnea in this study accounted for 39.7%, with a more than twofold higher presence of oSA than cSA. However, sleep apnea was diagnosed in approximately equal proportions of arthritis patients (39.5%) and controls (40.0%) (Figure 1). Male gender (p=0.013) and an increased age of approximately 55 years (p&lt;0.001) were found to be significant risk factors for the presence of sleep apnea. Furthermore, differences, but without statistical significance, were found between subjects with sleep apnea and subjects without sleep apnea with respect to body mass index (p=0.085), positive smoking status (p=0.191), and arthritis disease activity as assessed by DAS28CRP (p=0.275). 42.3% of subjects affected by oSA or cSA showed excessive daytime sleepiness rated by ESS (p=0.024). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Despite the fact that the prevalence of SRBD in arthritis patients and controls is the same, physicians should be especially cautious of male patients over the age of 55. ESS score assessment helps to estimate the clinical risk. An early diagnosis of sleep apnea in arthritis patients may improve physical and psychological quality of life. <h3>References</h3> [1]Bourguignon C, Labyak SE, Taibi D. Investigating sleep disturbances in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. <i>Holistic nursing practice</i> 2003;17(5):241–49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14596374/. [2]Randerath W (2014). Schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen: Obstruktive und zentrale Schlafapnoe. <i>Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH &amp; Springer Verlag GmbH, Teile von SpringerNature,</i> 22 December 2014. Available at: https://www.springermedizin.de/emedpedia/dgim-innere-medizin/schlafbezogene-atmungsstoerungen-obstruktive-und-zentrale-schlafapnoe?epediaDoi=10.1007%2F978-3-642-54676-1_397 Accessed November 04, 2022. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.